How Waking Up at 5:30AM Changed My Life
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Rise and shine, friends!
Are you tired of feeling like you're constantly playing catch-up? Do you wish you had more time in your day to accomplish your goals and take care of your health?
If so, then waking up early just might be the game changer you've been looking for.
As a reformed night owl, I have now embraced the magic of early mornings. And let me tell you, it has made all the difference!
Today, I want to share with you how waking up early has reshaped my behaviors for the better and how it can help you too. Not only am I feeling healthier and more productive, but I feel like I’ve conquered the world before a lot of other people are even awake. That makes me more satisfied overall with my days.
Once you get into the routine too, gone are the days of groggily rolling out of bed at the last possible minute, scrambling to get ready, and feeling frazzled before your day even begins.
So grab your favorite cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing), and let's dive into the wonderful world of enjoying early mornings and how they can boost your health, productivity, and happiness!
Physical Benefits of Early Mornings
First and foremost, waking up at 5:30 AM has had a significant impact on my physical health.
By getting up early, I have more time in the morning to prioritize exercise and healthy habits.
Exercise.
Are you someone who plans to work out after work, faithfully keeping a gym bag packed in your car but more often than skipping after work because of a last minute late meeting that left you ravenous?
Well good news! Waking up earlier means you get your exercise in without any other responsibilities getting in the way.
Whether it's going for a walk, doing some yoga, or taking a boxing class on YouTube, I find that starting my day with movement sets the tone for a more energized and productive day. I just feel better when I start my day with physical activity, even if it’s something as short as 5 minutes with planks in my living room.
And if you want to ease into morning exercise, sign up for my 30 day plank challenge, which is only a few minutes per day to a stronger core and body!
Diet.
Additionally, extra time in the morning means that you can put together a proper breakfast that will energize you, give you the nutrients you need to face the morning, and keep you full until lunch. No more grabbing a doughnut from the break room because you ran out of time!
I’m a big fan of these pre-mixed smoothies that don’t even require you to dirty a blender!
Sleep.
Finally, waking up earlier has allowed me to establish a consistent sleep schedule, which has helped me to feel more rested and rejuvenated overall. That means it becomes easier to wake up early and not be sleepy!
Overall, when you start your day with healthy choices, you tend to make healthier choices the rest of the day without even trying to.
Just think about the last time you gorged yourself at lunch, then for the rest of the day your attitude was “I already ate all the sugar in sight; why bother stopping now?” The opposite of this is true too.
Improved Productivity
One of the most noticeable benefits of waking up at 5:30 AM has been the boost in my productivity.
By starting my day earlier, I have more time to get things done without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This has allowed me to be more efficient with my time, both at work and in my personal life.
You know how you are always fresher first thing in the morning than when you tried to finish something just before you left work the day before? Using the time when you are rested and refreshed allows you to tackle the things you might have been putting off in a much more efficient fashion.
That’s maybe my favorite part of early mornings, the efficiency of getting things knocked off your to do list.
I find that when I take time in the morning rather than at night to go through my checklist of things I need to do, I am able to complete tasks more quickly and with greater focus. This means I feel a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at the end of each day, and it frees up that time after dinner to enjoy all the trash I love on Bravo!
Increased Mental Clarity
Similar to physical health and productivity, waking up at 5:30 AM has also had a positive impact on my mental clarity.
By starting my day with some quiet time to myself, I am able to set my intentions for the day ahead and clear my mind of any distractions.
Personally, that’s when I like to do my daily devotional, Bible reading, and praying because it’s quiet, and I can talk to God without anyone interrupting me.
Perhaps you like to ease into your day with journaling or enjoying a cup of coffee watching the sun rise (by the way, that helps set your circadian rhythm, improving your sleep schedule).
This has helped me to feel more centered and focused throughout the day, which has ultimately led to greater success in both my personal and professional pursuits.
Time for Personal Growth
You can also use this time just for you to allow you self-development.
Whether it's reading a book, learning a new skill, or pursuing a hobby, having a few extra hours in the morning has allowed me to focus on the things that truly matter to me.
By prioritizing things that will develop me as a person, I feel more fulfilled and content with my life overall.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try It!
Waking up at 5:30 AM has truly changed my life for the better. What I initially thought would be a pain in the butt is actually something I now look forward to. I relish my morning time.
Yes, that is possible! And it’s because of all the reasons I just mentioned.
This also sets me up to have a healthier, happier, and more productive day.
I always enjoy the day more when I feel in control of what needs to get done rather than feeling frazzled. And when I make healthy choices in the morning (like with a healthy breakfast and some physical activity), I tend to make healthier choices the rest of the day without even thinking about it!
So why not give this a try for a week or a month? Once you shift into an earlier bedtime/wake time schedule, I’m willing to bet you will be hooked too! It really is like you were given the gift of time just for you to use.
